See Also

Some, Masi said, are coming in for shape-ups with precise lines; others are taking a shaggier approach. But however they chose to let their faces age gracefully, the groomed result is more distinguished.

A good time to be older

"It kind of happened all of a sudden," Masi said. "My guys are really into grooming these days, and I think this is an extension of this."

It also helps that some of Hollywood's handsome leading men over 40 – Idris Elba, Brad Pitt, George Clooney – are showing us how comfortable they are with letting the salt in their beards overwhelm the pepper.

I'm a believer.

Maintenance is key

Dye may not be in order, but it's still a good idea to get some professional maintenance every now and then, because without it, your white whiskers may tend toward yellow. That's not a good look.

It's important, Masi said, to wash the beard at least once a week with clarifying shampoo. It's also a good idea to massage the beard, use a beard cream to condition, and then pick it out before trimming.

That way, my bearded brothers, you'll definitely have more of a leading man than mountain man look.

Advertisement

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Check out the gallery above to see who else is rocking the salt-and-pepper.